This bill amends the current law regarding state aid for special education by eliminating the requirement for catastrophic special education funds to be prorated among school districts. Instead, it mandates that school districts receive at least 80 percent of their entitlement for catastrophic aid costs in any fiscal year, even if the total appropriated amount is insufficient. The bill also clarifies that if there are unexpended funds at the end of the fiscal year, these funds will be allocated for court-ordered placements and treatment episodes, and it allows for emergency assistance to be provided to qualifying school districts.

Additionally, the bill modifies the funding mechanism for special education aid by appropriating necessary funds directly from the education trust fund, allowing the governor to draw warrants for payment regardless of the fund's balance. If the fund's balance falls below zero after such payments, the state comptroller is required to transfer sufficient funds from the general fund to cover the deficit. This change aims to ensure that special education programs receive consistent funding and support, thereby enhancing the financial stability of school districts in managing special education costs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 186-C:18
As Amended by the House: 186-C:18
HB773 text: 186-C:18